Gaseous  fuel lighter with mechanical starter

ABSTRACT

The gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter includes an ignition member and a striking member adapted to be removably attached to form an integral unit. The ignition member includes a fuel chamber, a fuel releasing head in communication with the fuel chamber, a regulating valve assembly positioned intermediate to the ignition member and the fuel releasing head. A switch is operatively connected to the regulating valve assembly to open and close the regulating valve assembly, and a striking element is provided proximate to the fuel releasing head. The striking member includes a friction member configured for engagement with the striking element. The user simultaneously slides the striking element against the friction member creating a spark, and engages the switch, to open the assembly. Fuel is released and the spark and gas to mix to form a flame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a lighter, and particularly to a gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter having a first member and a second member removably connected to each other to form an integral unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional portable lighters consist of a metal or plastic container filled with a flammable fluid or pressurized liquid gas, a means of ignition, and some provision for extinguishing the flame. In general, a spark is created by striking metal against a flint, or by pressing a button that compresses a piezoelectric crystal (piezo ignition), generating an electric arc. In naphtha lighters, the liquid is sufficiently volatile, and flammable vapor is present as soon as the top of the lighter is opened. Butane lighters combine the striking action with the opening of the valve to release gas. The spark ignites the flammable gas causing a flame to project from the lighter. With respect to butane lighters, the flame continues until the valve is released and closed. A metal enclosure with air holes generally surrounds the flame, and is designed to allow mixing of fuel and air while providing the lighter with some wind resistance. The high energy jet in butane lighters allows mixing to be accomplished by using Bernoulli's principle, so that the air hole in this type tend to be much smaller and farther from the flame.

One common issue of butane lighters is that the striking action of the metal to flint can cause the lighter to wear out after repeated usage. As the components wear down, such wear and tear can cause spark generation by the lighter to become increasingly difficult. Further, most butane lighters are not easily refillable, and as a result, they are usually disposed of after shortly after usage. In addition, most lighters do not provide an integral unit including separable members that once disengaged, cooperatively slidably engage with a force sufficient to repeatedly generate a spark to ignite a flame, regardless of wear and tear. Thus, a gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter includes an ignition member and a striking member, adapted to be removably attached, to form an integral unit. The ignition member includes a fuel chamber, a fuel releasing head in communication with the fuel chamber, and a regulating valve assembly positioned intermediate to the ignition member and the fuel releasing head. The ignition member also includes a switch, operatively connected to the regulating valve assembly, to open and close the regulating valve assembly, and a striking element positioned proximate to the fuel releasing head. The striking member includes a friction member.

To ignite the gaseous fuel lighter, the user simultaneously slides the striking element against the friction member, creating a spark and engages the switch to open the regulating valve assembly. Fuel is released through the fuel releasing head. As such, the fuel, spark, and surrounding air mix, igniting a flame.

The ignition member includes a first locking member. The striking member includes a second locking member adapted for locking engagement with the first locking member, to form a removably connected integral unit.

In an embodiment, the striking member has cap configuration, adapted to encase a portion of the ignition member. The friction member is formed along an inner surface of the cap. The striking element extends generally outward from ignition member. and is integrally formed on the fuel releasing head.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an ignition member and a striking member of the gaseous fuel lighter of FIG. 1, both being removably attached to form an integral unit.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ignition member in the gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter, according to the present invention, shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the striking member in the gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter, according to the present invention, shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an environmental view of the gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter shown in FIG. 1, according to the present invention, illustrating the ignition process of sliding the ignition member along the surface of the striking member.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the gaseous fuel lighter, according to the present invention, illustrating the fuel releasing head and striking element provided integrally, and further, a friction member provided on the inner surface of the striking member.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter, generally referred to by reference number 10 in the drawings, provides a convenient portable lighter with nostalgic undertones of traditional matchsticks and flint boxes in a small form factor. FIG. 1 of the drawings provides an environmental perspective view of an exemplary gaseous fuel lighter 10 including a first member, or ignition member 12 and a second member, or striking member 14. As shown, the ignition member 12 and striking member 14 are adapted to form a contiguous integral gaseous unit, with FIG. 2 providing a more detailed sectional view of the ignition member 12 and striking member 14 in a removably connected integral configuration.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ignition member 12 and striking member 14 are operatively connected forming a contiguous integral unit. The ignition member 12 is adapted to selectively provide gas or fuel during the flame igniting process. The ignition member 12 includes a refillable fuel inner chamber 16 for receiving fuel therein, a first opening 20 formed generally about the outer portion of the ignition member 12, enabling fuel communication into the fuel inner chamber 16, a filling valve 18 positioned intermediate to the first opening 20 and the inner chamber 16, a regulating valve assembly 26 adapted to control fuel flow out of the inner chamber 16, a fuel conduit or hose 34 providing a passageway 35 from the regulating valve assembly 26, and a fuel releasing head 36, in communication with the inner chamber 16 via the fuel conduit 34.

The refillable fuel inner chamber 16 is configured to contain a select amount of fluid or gas, sufficient to generate a flame during the lighting process, and further sufficient to sustain a flame once the gaseous lighter 10 is lit. As shown, the inner chamber 16 is in communication with the first opening 20. As such, the first opening 20 permits access to the inner chamber 16 for fuel refilling. As shown, the inner chamber 16 is formed in the body 17, and functions as a tank facilitating selective refilling of fuel and supplying the same to generate the desired flame.

The filling valve 18 is disposed intermediate to the inner chamber 16 and first opening 20, to facilitate the filling process, and to prevent fuel from leaking out of the inner chamber 16 through the first opening 20. As shown, the fill valve 18 includes a filling valve screw 21, and a sealing ring 23. The sealing ring 23 provides a secure sealing connection between the filling valve 18 and first opening 20, preventing fuel leakage from the first opening 20. The filling valve screw 21 has a threaded connection with the body 17 of the ignition member 12. The filling valve screw 21 is adapted to open and close the first opening 20. Accordingly, the filling valve screw 21 can be rotated in a first direction to open the filling valve 18, and rotated in an opposing second direction to close the filling valve 18.

The regulating valve assembly 26 is in threaded engagement with the inner chamber 16. The regulating valve assembly 26 permits a user to selectively deliver the fuel to the releasing head 36 via the fluid conduit or hose 34. As shown, the regulating valve assembly 26 can include a one way plug 24 provided intermediate to the inner chamber 16 and regulating valve assembly 26. The one way plug 24 enables fuel or gas flow to enter through the inlet 25 of the regulating valve assembly 26, when the regulating valve assembly 26 is in an open position. In addition, the plug 24 prevents the fuel from traveling back into the inner chamber 16 through the inlet 25.

The regulating valve assembly 26 is operatively connected to a control mechanism 28 to regulate the rate of fuel flow through the regulating valve assembly 26 from the inner chamber 16. As shown, the control mechanism 28 can be a fuel regulating wheel 28 or switch 28, adapted to selectively regulate the fuel flow rate through the regulating valve assembly 26. Rotational movement of the fuel regulating wheel 28 opens and closes the regulating valve assembly 26 thereby controlling the flow rate of fuel from the inner chamber 16.

The fuel release switch 30 or button 30 is operatively connected to the regulating valve assembly 26, permitting a user to selectively activate fuel flow through the regulating valve assembly 26. As illustrated, the fuel release switch 30 can be an on/off switch, or, as shown in FIG. 2, a button 30 operably engaged by a spring 32. As illustrated, the fuel release button 30 has an abutting member 31 that engages the regulating valve assembly 26, to actuate movement of the regulating valve assembly 26 between an open and closed position. As shown, the button 30 can be provided proximate to the surface 70 of the ignition member 12, permitting access to a user, such that the user can selectively open and close the regulating valve assembly 26.

To open and close the regulating valve assembly 26, a user applies pressure to the button 30. As such, a force from the abutting member 31 is exerted on the regulating valve assembly 26, forcing the regulating valve assembly 26 into a generally open position. This releases fuel from the inner chamber 16, through the regulating valve assembly 26, and into the conduit 34. The spring 32 provides biasing force on the button 30 such that after the button 30 is released, the spring 32 forces the button 30, into a generally closed position. As previously stated, the fuel release button or switch 30 can also function as a slidable on/off switch, to open and close the regulating valve assembly 26.

The fuel hose or conduit 34 is connected to regulating valve 26 and provides a passageway 35 for fuel to travel from the inner chamber 16 to the fuel releasing head 36. As shown the conduit 34 has a generally elongated body extending from the regulating valve assembly 26 to the fuel releasing head 36. The fuel conduit 34 can be constructed from a plastic, such as PVC. The fuel releasing head 36 facilitates the release of fuel from the fuel conduit 34. The fuel releasing head 36 can be constructed from any other material suitable to withstand the heat generated by a flame, such as for example, copper. As shown, the fuel releasing head 36 includes an opening 40.

The ignition member 12 further includes a striking element 42. The striking element 42 can be steel, or any other metal, or material suitable and resilient to generate a spark when placed in sliding frictional contact with a cooperative surface. As shown, the striking element 42 extends generally outward from the body 17 of the ignition member 12. As such, the striking element 42 is disposed proximate to the fuel releasing head 36, such that when the striking element 42 is placed in frictional contact with a surface, a spark is formed proximate to the fuel releasing head 36.

Continuing to FIG. 3, the ignition member 12 includes an inner surface 70 and an edge 72 formed generally along the inner surface 70. The ignition member 12 further includes one or more grooves 50, or first locking members 50 formed generally along the edge 72 of the inner surface 70. The first locking members 50 are adapted to facilitate removable connection to the striking member 14. As shown, plural first locking members 50 are provided at generally opposing sides of the inner surface 70. The first locking members 50 extend generally laterally along the edge 72, and are configured to cooperatively receive the striking member 14 to facilitate integral locking engagement between the ignition member 12 and the striking member 14.

In FIG. 2, and further illustrated in FIG. 4, the striking member 14 is adapted for integral locking engagement with the ignition member 12. The striking member 14 further includes an opening 46, adapted to receive insertion of the striking element 42 of the ignition member 12 therein, when the ignition member 12 and striking member 14 are integrally connected. The striking member 14 further includes a friction member 44. The friction member 44, can be a stone or flint, having a surface adapted a spark when contacted by the striking element 42. As shown, the friction member 44 is positioned proximate to the surface 78 of the striking member 14. As shown, in FIGS. 2 and 4, the friction member 44 can also be disposed internally within the striking member 14. As such, the friction member 44 is exposed by an opening or groove 48 formed along the surface 78. As shown, a groove or track 48 extends along inner surface 78 exposing the friction member 44 to contact from the striking element 42 of the ignition member 12. The track 48 has the width sufficient to receive slidable movement of the striking metal 42 during ignition. The friction member 44 can also be provided directly on the inner surface 78 of the striking member 14.

The striking member 14 includes an inner surface 78 having an edge 76 formed along the inner surface 78. Adjacent to the edge 76, one or more second locking members 80 or abutments are provided for locking engagement with the first locking members 50, of the ignition member 12. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the striking member 14 and ignition member 12 are configured such that inner surface 70 of the ignition member 12 cooperatively engages the inner surface 78 of the striking member 14 to form an integral unit. Further, locking members 50 and 80 cooperatively engage forming an integral unit.

In operation, or lighting mode, a user ignites the gaseous fuel lighter by striking the striking element 42 against the friction member 44. First, the user disengages the ignition member 12 and striking member 14 from locked engagement. The user aligns the ignition member 12 in sliding engagement with the striking member 14 such that the striking element 42 is aligned in contact with the friction member 44 of the striking member 14. The user slides the ignition member 12 along the friction member 44. Friction between the striking element 42 and friction member 44 generate one or more sparks. Simultaneously, the user activates fuel release by engaging the switch 30. This is accomplished by either depressing the button 30, compressing the spring 32 or by turning the on and off switch 30 into the on position. Activation of fuel release switch 30 applies a force on the regulating valve assembly 26, opening the valve assembly 26 and releasing fuel through the conduit 34 and connected fuel releasing head 36.

As fuel is released through the fuel releasing head 36, it contacts air, and the one or more sparks created by the friction between the friction member 44 and the striking element 42, creating a flame. As the user maintains a depressing pressure on the button 30 and spring 32, or keeps the switch in an on position, the regulating valve assembly 26 is held in an open position releasing fuel. The user can selectively adjust the release of gas through the opening, and thus the flame height with the regulating wheel or switch 28. Once the user releases the button 30, the spring 32 provides a biasing force closing the regulating valve assembly 26, thereby shutting off the flame. To lock the ignition member 12 and striking member 14 of the lighter 10 into an integral unit, the positions the surfaces 70 and 78 into engaging relation, and slides locking members 80 into locking engagement with the locking members or grooves 50.

It is to be understood that the gaseous fuel lighter 10 encompasses a variety of alternatives. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the gaseous fuel lighter 110 functions and is constructed substantially similar to the previous described embodiment. Notably, the gaseous fuel lighter 110 provides an ignition member 112 including a switch 130 to enable fuel release. As shown, the fuel releasing head 136 extends generally outward from the body of ignition member 112 permitting fuel release from a generally center point of the ignition member 112. As shown, the striking element 142 is integrally provided on fuel releasing head 136. In this case, the fuel releasing head 136 has a body with a cylindrical configuration with an opening 140 and the striking element 142 is formed along the body.

The striking member 114 and ignition member 112 are configured for removable engagement. The striking member 114 can have a top, or cap configuration, removably connectable to a generally upper portion of the ignition member 112 such that in a connected configuration, the cap encases a portion of the ignition member 112. As shown, the friction member 44 is provided along an inner surface 178 of the striking member 114, configured to receive sliding movement of the striking element 142.

In operation, the user engages the switch 130, moving the switch 130 into an “on” position, releasing the fuel through the center point of the fuel releasing head 136. Simultaneously the user slides the striking element 142 of the ignition member 112 along the surface of the friction member 144, of the striking member 114, creating a spark. Fuel released from the fuel releasing head 136 mixes with air, and the spark, igniting a flame. The fuel regulating switch 128 can be used to control fuel flow. The user switches the switch 130 into an “off” position to extinguish the flame.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter, comprising: an ignition member and a striking member adapted to be removably attached to form an integral unit, the ignition member including a fuel chamber to contain fuel, a fuel releasing head in communication with the fuel chamber, a regulating valve assembly positioned intermediate to the ignition member and the fuel releasing head, a switch operatively connected to the regulating valve assembly to open and close the regulating valve assembly, and a striking element provided proximate to the fuel releasing head, the striking member including a friction member, wherein to ignite the gaseous fuel lighter, the user simultaneously slides the striking element against the friction member creating a spark and engages the switch to open the regulating valve assembly thereby releasing fuel through the fuel releasing head such that the spark and gas to mix to form a flame.
 2. The gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter according to claim 1, wherein the ignition member includes a first locking member and the striking member includes a second locking member adapted for locking engagement with the first locking member to securely lock the ignition member and the striking member together to form a removably connected integral unit.
 3. The gaseous fuel lighter with mechanical starter according to claim 2, the first locking member being a locking groove formed along the outer edge of the ignition member, the second locking member being an abutment formed along the outer edge configured for cooperative engagement with the locking groove to enable the ignition member and striking member to be removably attached.
 4. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 1, wherein the friction member is provided along the inner surface of the striking member.
 5. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 4, wherein the friction member is disposed in a groove provided along the surface of the striking member.
 6. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 1, wherein the striking member is a cap configured to encase a portion of the ignition member.
 7. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 6, wherein the cap has a friction member formed along an inner surface of the cap.
 8. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 1, wherein the ignition member includes a regulating wheel configured to control the fuel flow rate through the regulating valve assembly.
 9. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 1 wherein the gaseous fuel lighter includes a first opening in communication with the inner chamber, and a filling valve permitting the inner chamber to be selectively refilled.
 10. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 1 wherein the striking element is comprised of steel.
 11. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 1, the fuel releasing head is being positioned proximate to the striking element.
 12. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 1, wherein the striking member includes an opening configured to receive the striking element when the striking member and ignition member are integrally connected.
 13. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 1, wherein the striking element extends generally outward from ignition member.
 14. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 1, wherein the striking element is integrally formed on the fuel releasing head.
 15. The gaseous fuel lighter of claim 14, wherein the fuel releasing head extends generally outward from the ignition member and releases fuel at a generally center point. 